[Treatment of burn victims: who can be treated as an outpatient and who requires treatment as an inpatient?].
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Ambulatory Care↗
Biomedical subjects
H Menke
Publications and source records attributed to H Menke.
Progressive and extensive hypomelanosis and extensive pityriasis alba: same disease, different names?
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Humans↗
[The role of plastic and reconstructive surgery within an interdisciplinary treatment concept for diabetic ulcers of the foot].
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus and its sequelae such as the "diabetic foot" are increasing in incidence and pose a challenging medical and financial problem. Interdisciplinary teams have been formed to prevent and treat these problems, consisting of diabetic nurses and physicians, nutritionists, podiatrists, specialist shoemakers, general, orthopaedic and vascular surgeons. However, hardly mentioned in the literature are the surgical options offered by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of plastic surgical treatment for soft tissue defect coverage of the diabetic foot ulcer and to define the role of plastic and reconstructive surgery within an interdisciplinary treatment concept. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study the charts of 38 diabetic patients (female n = 14/male n = 24) with an average age of 68.6 years and with 45 defects on the foot or ankle were analysed regarding the patient profile, defect etiology and size, operative procedures, complications and outcome results. RESULTS: Defect coverage was performed using 20 split skin grafts, 19 local flaps and 6 free flaps as well as 27 amputations. At the time of discharge 25 of 45 defects were closed (56 %), 15 patients had an amputation and in 3 cases a small defect remained. The success rate of defect coverage decreased with increasing comorbidity. Whereas 71 % of the defects were covered in ASA stage 2 patients, only 50 % of the defects could be covered in ASA stage 3 patients and only 33 % in ASA stage 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high complication rate, plastic surgical techniques in many cases prevented an amputation in this negatively preselected patient group. These results provide justification for plastic and reconstructive surgery being in any case part of an interdisciplinary treatment approach of the diabetic ulcer.
Aged↗
The cost of atopic dermatitis in the Netherlands: an international comparison.
BACKGROUND: Only a few international studies have assessed the economic burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), and no costs-of-illness study for AD has been done for the Netherlands. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence, prevalence and health-care costs of AD in the Netherlands and to put these in an international perspective. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study by using the data of an information system of general practitioners (GPs). To calculate the health-care costs at the primary care level we assessed medical resources utilization. We assessed the costs of patients with more severe AD from a retrospective study of patient files at the department of dermatology of a general hospital. We compared our results with costs-of-illness studies for other countries. RESULTS: The overall general population incidence and prevalence of AD were 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively. The incidence and prevalence were high among children until the age of 6 years, respectively, 3.1% and 11.3%, but decreased rapidly thereafter. The total mean health-care costs per patient were USD71. The most significant costs were due to visits to the GP (USD32) and medication, mostly corticosteroids (USD21). Young children were treated more often with emollients alone. Only 7.8% of patients were referred to a specialist. The mean costs for these patients were USD186. Costs-of-illness studies for Australia, Germany, the U.K., the U.S.A. and the Netherlands suggested that the costs associated with AD vary considerably across countries. Estimates of the costs-of-illness for AD ranged from USD71 in the Netherlands to USD2559 in Germany per patient due to variation in the study population (GP vs. hospital) and the number of cost components included. Studies that included costs due to the time spent on treatment had relatively high estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and incidence of AD are high among young children. In general, the health-care costs for AD were low. Patients' out-of-pocket costs were relatively high.
Adolescent↗
The role of pre-ischaemic application of the nitric oxide donor spermine/nitric oxide complex in enhancing flap survival in a rat model.
Spermine/nitric oxide complex (Sper/NO) is a new nitric oxide (NO) donor with a long half-life providing controlled biological release of NO in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether flap survival could be improved by pre-ischaemic or post-ischaemic intravenous administration of Sper/NO. We divided 37 male Wistar rats into four experimental groups. An extended epigastric adipocutaneous flap was raised in each animal. The mean area of flap necrosis was assessed for all groups on the fifth postoperative day, using planimetry software. The average area of flap necrosis was mean +/- s.d. = 68.2%+/-18.1% in the control group, and 29.7% +/- 13.3% in the non-ischaemic controls. The group with pre-ischaemic application of Sper/NO demonstrated an average flap necrosis of mean+/-s.d. = 11.2%+/-5.9%, whereas this increased to 59.2%+/-14.4% in the group receiving Sper/NO 5 min prior to reperfusion. The group with pre-ischaemic application of Sper/NO showed a significantly lower area of flap necrosis than either of the control groups or the group receiving Sper/NO just prior to reperfusion (P < 0.05). The group receiving Sper/NO just prior to reperfusion demonstrated a significantly higher mean area of flap necrosis than the non-ischaemic controls (P < 0.05), but did not differ significantly from the control group. Our data show that pharmacological preconditioning and enhancement of flap survival can be achieved by intravenous administration of Sper/NO. The application of Sper/NO at the end of the ischaemia period or in the early reperfusion period provides no protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Animals↗
Reduction mammaplasty: cosmetic or reconstructive procedure? Reply.
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Cosmetic Techniques↗
[Surgical concepts and results in necrotizing fasciitis].
INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection involving primarily the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue. The disease is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or synergistic infection of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Further characteristics are severe, intolerable pain and a mortality of 30-50%. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2000 12 patients underwent treatment for NF. The patients' charts were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: In 7 patients the bacterial cultures showed a mixed, polymicrobial infection and in 5 cases only Streptococcus pyogenes. The NF was localized at the upper extremity (2), abdomen (3), back (1), hip (2) and lower extremity (4). The area involved was 8 (4-11)% of the total body surface. The surgical procedures in 12 patients were debridement (60x), local transposition flap (2), free muscle flaps (3), lower leg amputation (1) and split thickness skin graft (3x). Four patients developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and two died. In total there were four deaths with a mortality of 33%. In the "survivor group" the time to diagnosis was 2.8 (1-7) days, the time to radical surgery 3.3 (1-9) days. In the "mortality group" it was 6.8 (3-10) days or 9.3 (6-12) days. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of NF seems to be influenced by the site of the infection, because 4 out of 6 patients with NF of the abdomen, back or hip died, but all patients with NF of the extremities survived. The age of the patient is not a key parameter, because also young and previously healthy people also die from the streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The interval between diagnosis and radical debridement appears to be the crucial factor in terms of prognosis, since early diagnosis and prompt, radical surgery improves the survival rate.
Adult↗
[Pyoderma gangrenosum: a rare cause of unexpected wound healing delay].
Pyoderma gangrenosum represents a rare but severe disturbance of wound healing following operative interventions. A case report of pyoderma gangrenosum after breast surgery is presented and the aetiology and the various options regarding investigations and treatment are discussed considering the current literature.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
[Therapeutic strategies for covering traumatic defects of the heel area].
Tissue defects of the heel region are a challenging problem. Various reconstructive techniques were performed in 44 patients with 59 defects around the heel region, who were treated between 1994 and 1999 following a traffic accident in 27%, a burn injury in 25%, and other traumatic causes in 48%. Free flap coverage was performed in 20 defects (36%), local flaps were used in 15 patients (27%) and autologous skin transplantation in 21 patients (36%). The overall complication rate was 18% with the highest rate after local flap procedures. A therapeutic strategy was developed, which is based mostly on the localization and extension of the defect area.
Adolescent↗
Continuous quality management of breast hypertrophy by the German Association of Plastic Surgeons: a preliminary report.
In 1998, the German Association of Plastic Surgeons started a new quality assurance program based on a standardized questionnaire to examine the tracer diagnosis "breast hypertrophy." The authors present the results of a pilot study evaluating 799 patients (mean age, 38 years). Breast reduction was performed as an inpatient procedure in 99% of patients. Mean weight reduction was 1,135 g (range, 140-3,870 g). The inverted-T scar technique was used in 45% of patients, the vertical scar technique in 52% of patients, and other techniques were restricted to 2% of patients. The selection of technique was based on the choice of the surgeon. The overall incidence of complications was 21.5%, and included predominantly wound dehiscence, without marked differences between the two techniques. Less than 10 years after the introduction of a new technique for breast reduction with reduced length of scar, it is now used as often as traditional methods.
Adolescent↗
Evolving concepts in breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flaps: results and follow-up of 121 consecutive patients.
Breast reconstruction using autologous tissue is increasingly gaining in interest. A review of results obtained from a series of consecutive patients undergoing breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) was carried out to evaluate the effects of the authors' refinements to the procedure. Data collected during the perioperative course and a minimum follow-up of 12 months in 121 patients (mean age, 47 years; 50% with previous radiotherapy) who underwent treatment from 1994 to 1998 were analyzed retrospectively. In addition, a structured interview was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction. Eighteen different surgeons in one teaching hospital were involved in the operative procedures. No patient was referred to the intensive care unit. An additional implant was used in 25% of patients. With the exception of the occurrence of seroma, the complication rate was low (seroma, 60%; bleeding, 4%; hematoma, 5%; minor wound dehiscence, 3%; wound infection, 2%). No flap was lost. Donor site morbidity was extremely low; 90% of patients had no complaints. The result of surgery was rated as excellent or good by 59% of patients, 89% would undergo this type of breast reconstruction again, and 91% would recommend it to other women. Refinements that improved the technique substantially included incision lines exclusively in the bra line, improved flap volume resulting from the harvest of an extended fat pad, and quilting sutures to reduce the formation of seroma. In the current study, endoscopic muscle harvest did not represent an improvement in procedure. The technique of breast reconstruction with the LDF has been improved substantially during the past few years, and provides the plastic surgeon with an excellent, safe, and consistently successful method for breast reconstruction.
Adolescent↗
[Therapeutic options in treatment of heel defects. Presentation of an algorithm for therapeutic strategy].
INTRODUCTION: The treatment of soft tissue defects of the foot and ankle region remains a challenge, because special anatomical and physiological properties have to be considered. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 52 patients, who were treated between 1994 and 1998, were analyzed. 48% were posttraumatic defects and were located in the weight bearing zone in 37%. RESULTS: Fifty-nine procedures were used, including skin transplantation in 16 patients, local flaps in 3 cases, regional flaps in 14 cases, and microvascular procedures in 17 cases. Amputation was required in 4 patients. The overall success rate was 92%. Complications occurred in 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using these data and evaluation of the actual literature lead to the development of an algorithm for the treatment of defects in this area. The modern armamentarium of plastic surgery offers the possible different treatment modalities.
Adolescent↗
[Plastic surgery coverage of osteocutaneous defects of the sternum area with the vertical and transversal rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM/TRAM) flap].
Longitudinal osteocutaneous defects of the sternal region including the caudal third were reconstructed in 15 patients during a 3-year period by using the "vertical (VRAM)- and transverse rectus abdominis muscle" (TRAM) flap. The majority of the defects resulted from chronic osteomyelitis after previous cardiothoracic surgery or were due to former therapy of breast cancer. Three VRAM/TRAM flaps were primarily transferred as free flaps with microvascular anastomosis in the axilla region. Nine out of 12 pedicled VRAM or TRAM flaps required an additional microvascular anastomosis because of imminent venous or arterial insufficiency ("supercharging"). Therefore, operative technique and operating time of the pedicled and free flap for reconstruction of longitudinal sternal defects are comparable. Adequate reconstruction and rehabilitation was achieved in 11 cases. In 2 patients revision and partial secondary defect coverage was required. Two male patients died postoperatively due to their preexisting condition.
Adult↗
[Covering soft tissue defects and unstable scars over the Achilles tendon by free microsurgical flap-plasty].
INTRODUCTION: Coverage of the exposed Achilles tendon requires thin, supple tissue to provide adequate range of motion and a satisfying aesthetic result for the distal lower extremity. Various local flaps and free flaps have been described for reconstruction of small and large defects. Small defects can be closed with local tissue, whereas free flap coverage may be necessary for coverage of large defects. METHODS: From July 1993 to September 1998 14 patients between the age of 15 and 74 years (mean 47 years; 3 female, 11 male) underwent free flap coverage for the exposed Achilles tendon due to primary trauma, chronic wounds or tumors. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.3 months. The defect size ranged from 8 x 8 to 25 x 28 cm. RESULTS: Six parascapular flaps (three with a vascularized scapular fascial extension), four radial forearm flaps and four latissimus dorsi flaps (one combined with free serratus fascia) were used for soft tissue coverage over the Achilles tendon. Thirteen flaps survived. In one case a parascapular flap had to be removed due to venous thrombosis and a free latissimus dorsi flap was used as secondary salvage procedure. The donor site morbidity was acceptable for most patients after flap harvesting in the subscapular region and also satisfactory in the forearm region. Average active range of motion in the upper ankle joint was 15-0-40 degrees for extension/flexion. All patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic result. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue coverage over the exposed Achilles tendon requires an optimal solution for each patient to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result and acceptable function. Microvascular free flaps can be used to reconstruct medium and large defects and to provide gliding tissue for the Achilles tendon. The complication rate of microvascular flaps is comparable with that of local flaps.
Achilles Tendon↗
[Treatment strategy in complex hand injuries].
There are no clear definitions of serious or complex hand injuries in the literature. Multistructural injuries involving a vital risk to the affected part of the body part are usually classified as complex. The quality of the reconstruction, based on sound management principles, determines the aesthetic and functional outcome for the patient. The strategies basically consist of: Careful radical dbridement, thorough analysis of the defect and evaluation of lost functions, injury classification, Patient oriented reconstructive procedures, careful and realistic explanation of perspectives and risks to the patient. Following these principles will most likely achieve the planned objectives of treatment, such as, best possible restoration of form and function, cost-effective therapy, and early professional and social reintegration. Algorithmic approaches are an important aid in the clinical approach to these kinds of problems, making it possible to reach clear reproducible decisions that are amenable to standardization. Despite all individual decisions necessary to achieve optimal care, this standard theoretical framework will be able to improve the quality of care.
Algorithms↗
[Quality assurance in plastic surgery--initial experiences with "breast reduction" tracer diagnosis].
Quality assurance has to be an integral part of medical work as it is required by actual health laws. "Tracers" have been used in different parts of medicine as a reliable method. In 1997 we started to establish an internal program for a quality assurance with five different tracers (breast augmentation, breast reduction, oncological and reconstructive breast surgery, liposuction). The outcome is prospectively documented using an operation-specific documentation form. Every three months, the results are discussed in a surgical audit. The overall complication rate after mamma reduction (n = 81) was reduced about 40% to 21% (mean reduction weight 1.7 kg). Therefore, these measurements could promptly improve the quality of treatment of our patients.
Documentation↗
Functional outcome with scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis in the treatment of Kienböck's disease stage III.
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis for the treatment of Kienböck's disease is recommended as a wrist salvage procedure since the publication by Watson and colleagues in 1985. Stage IIIa/b of the Lichtman classification is the specific indication for this operative-procedure. This study reviews the results of 26 patients with stage III of Kienböck's disease treated with STT arthrodesis during a 6-year period. From 1993 to 1998, 26 patients (16 men, 10 women) were treated with STT arthrodesis for Kienböck's disease in stage IIIa/b. The mean follow-up was 35 months. Two-rung grip strength was measured by using an electronic computerized JAMAR-Dynamometer. Pain was evaluated pre- and postoperatively using a visual analog scale. Patients' activities of daily living and general quality of life were estimated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Also two established wrist scores (Mayo wrist score and Krimmer wrist score) including objective and subjective parameters were used. Fusion was established in 25 patients after an average period of 7 weeks. Pain was reduced substantially to 72% of the preoperative values under resting conditions and 60% under stress. Eight patients claimed complete pain relief. Grip strength improved to 60% of the opposite side. Active range of motion was 65% of extension/flexion and 50% of radial/ulnar deviation on average compared with the contralateral hand. Twenty of the 26 patients were satisfied with the final result and would undergo the operation again. A total of 80% of the patients returned to their original occupation. The average DASH score was 24.8, the Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores averaged 66 and 67.8 points respectively. The procedure combines the advantages of decreasing load to the lunate and maintaining carpal height. Pain was markedly reduced, grip strength improved, and functional wrist mobility was preserved. The data support increasing confidence that STT fusion will stand the test of time.
Adult↗
The free musculocutaneous tensor fascia lata flap as a backup procedure in tumor surgery.
The musculocutaneous tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap provides a small muscle belly and a strong fascial layer in combination with abundant skin coverage (15 x 40 cm), which makes the flap an attractive unit for composite free tissue transfer. The free TFL flap was used in nine cases of recurrent cancer of the chest wall (N = 7) and the abdominal wall (N = 2). The mean size of the full-thickness defects after tumor excision measured 12 x 25 cm. The operating time ranged from 4 to 8 hours (mean operating time, 5.5 hours). The operation was performed with two teams, and no repositioning of the patient was necessary during the operation. By raising the TFL flap, no additional area of the trunk was involved. The authors did not experience a prolonged ventilation time in their group of multimorbid patients. The donor site was closed directly (4 of 9 patients) or split skin grafted (5 of 9 patients). There was no functional deficit. In one patient the venous anastomosis had to be revised. There were no further complications, and no flaps were lost. The hospital stay was short (21 days on average), the outcome successful, and primary healing was obtained. The free TFL flap proved to be a reliable flap that is easy technically to harvest. Thus the free TFL flap is a valuable backup procedure in tumor surgery.
Abdominal Muscles↗